Reward, Stress & Habit Circuits

Question 1

Rewarding stimuli activate the mesotelencephalic dopamine system, which is commonly known as the brain’s “reward system”. What do you think is meant by the term “rewarding stimuli”? Give examples.

Answer 1

rewarding stimuli are things that make us feel good
examples: food, water when we’re thirsty, exercise, sex, drugs

Question 2

The basal ganglia are the brains “autopilot”. Why do you think it benefits the brain to be able to automate movements and thoughts? Can you think of an instance where autopilot would not be beneficial?

Answer 2

benefit: automation can enhance efficiency
not beneficial when the autopilot becomes dominant, for example, mental illness (such as depression or OCD) or when top-down control is not exercised (like when you meant to stop at the grocery store on the way home, but your brain autopiloted you past the grocery store and to your home)

Question 3

How is the HPA axis related to the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 3

activating the HPA ultimately activates the sympathetic nervous system when it causes release of cortisol and adrenalin, which get us ready for action (fight or flight)

Question 4

What 2 brain structures dial down the activity of the HPA?

Answer 4

the hippocampus and the hypothalamus

Question 5

What is “new” about the brain disease model of addiction?

Answer 5

it goes beyond the old thinking that addiction is about activating the reward system
essentially, it shows that addiction is also about stress and habit circuitry